"Florida Man" Takes Police On Car Chase In General Lee

May 15, 2019

A Florida man took Marion County Sheriffs on a police chase through 2 counties while driving a Dodge Charger that was painted to look like the General Lee from the "Dukes of Hazzard" TV show after he set fire to his wife's home, according to authorities.

Oswald Pereira, 44, of Morriston, faces charges of arson, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting without violence, and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Marion County sheriff's officials said Pereira set fire to his ex-wife's home before leading deputies on a chase through 2 counties, where he was eventually found hiding in the closet of a mobile home. Pereira had burns over 15% of his body and was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, officials said.

No other injuries were reported aside from Pereira, two dogs were rescued from the blaze.